US9714067B1 - Bicycle chain device - Google Patents

Bicycle chain device Download PDF

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Publication number
US9714067B1
US9714067B1 US15/055,644 US201615055644A US9714067B1 US 9714067 B1 US9714067 B1 US 9714067B1 US 201615055644 A US201615055644 A US 201615055644A US 9714067 B1 US9714067 B1 US 9714067B1
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United States
Prior art keywords
cage
bicycle
chain device
front sprocket
bicycle chain
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
US15/055,644
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English (en)
Inventor
Nobukatsu Hara
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Shimano Inc
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Shimano Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shimano Inc filed Critical Shimano Inc
Priority to US15/055,644 priority Critical patent/US9714067B1/en
Assigned to SHIMANO INC. reassignment SHIMANO INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HARA, NOBUKATSU
Priority to TW108129321A priority patent/TWI719592B/zh
Priority to TW105143484A priority patent/TWI672248B/zh
Priority to DE102017103713.6A priority patent/DE102017103713A1/de
Priority to US15/619,548 priority patent/US10589821B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9714067B1 publication Critical patent/US9714067B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M9/00—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/04—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio
    • B62M9/06—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/10—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels, e.g. rear sprocket chain wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/12—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels, e.g. rear sprocket chain wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the chain, belt, or the like being laterally shiftable, e.g. using a rear derailleur
    • B62M9/121—Rear derailleurs
    • B62M9/122—Rear derailleurs electrically or fluid actuated; Controls thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M9/00—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/04—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio
    • B62M9/06—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/10—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels, e.g. rear sprocket chain wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/12—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels, e.g. rear sprocket chain wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the chain, belt, or the like being laterally shiftable, e.g. using a rear derailleur
    • B62M9/121—Rear derailleurs
    • B62M9/124—Mechanisms for shifting laterally
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M9/00—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/04—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio
    • B62M9/06—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/10—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels, e.g. rear sprocket chain wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M9/14—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like involving different-sized wheels, e.g. rear sprocket chain wheels selectively engaged by the chain, belt, or the like the wheels being laterally shiftable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
    • B62M9/00—Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like
    • B62M2009/007—Guides to prevent chain from slipping off the sprocket

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to a bicycle chain device and, more particularly, to a chain device that follows movements of the chain path to remain generally aligned with the chain.
  • Chain devices are known for preventing a chain from falling off of a front sprocket of a bicycle. Typically chain devices are fixed. However, since the position of the chain changes depending on the position of the rear derailleur, the chain passage of fixed chain devices must be enlarged to accommodate such movement. This makes them less effective in maintaining the chain on the front sprocket.
  • the invention is a bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket, which is configured to be affixed to a bicycle that has a solitary bicycle front sprocket having a rotational center axis, and a cage movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket.
  • the cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes.
  • the chain device further includes an actuator, which is configured to move the cage in accordance with a shifting operation of a bicycle rear derailleur.
  • the actuator is configured to be operatively coupled to a mechanical operation cable that operates the bicycle rear derailleur.
  • the actuator in a third aspect, in the bicycle chain device according to the second aspect, includes a first actuating member configured to be coupled to the mechanical operation cable and a second actuating member operatively connected to the first actuating member and the cage, so that movement of the mechanical operation cable is transmitted to the second actuating member via the first actuating member to move the cage.
  • the first actuating member includes one of a rack and pinion and the second actuating member includes the other of the rack and pinion.
  • the cage is configured to be movable with respect to the mounting bracket between a retracted position and an extended position, and the cage is moved toward the retracted position as the mechanical operation cable is pulled toward an operating device that controls the mechanical operation cable.
  • the actuator includes a linkage configured to be movably coupled to the cage so that the cage is movable with respect to the mounting bracket.
  • the cage is configured to move in a direction extending along the rotational center axis of the front sprocket.
  • the cage is pivotal about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the rotational center axis of the front sprocket.
  • the actuator includes an electrical motor to move the cage and a controller to move the electrical motor in accordance with an operation signal.
  • the operation signal is transmitted with a shifting signal to operate the bicycle rear derailleur.
  • the controller moves the electrical motor such that the cage moves in a shifting direction of the rear derailleur operated by the shifting signal.
  • the shifting direction extends along the rotational center axis of the front sprocket.
  • the actuator is configured to pivot the cage about a single pivot axis that is stationary with respect to the mounting bracket.
  • the actuator is configured to pivot the cage about the single pivot axis so that a rear end of the cage moves in a shifting direction of the rear derailleur, which is operated by the shifting operation, wherein the shifting direction extends along the rotational center axis of the front sprocket.
  • the cage has a first plate and a second plate forming the chain-receiving slot, and the cage is positioned such that bottom edges of the first and second plates at least partly overlap with the front sprocket as viewed in a direction parallel to the rotational center axis in a state in which the mounting bracket is affixed to the bicycle.
  • the invention is a bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket, which is configured to be affixed to a bicycle that has a solitary bicycle front sprocket.
  • the chain device further includes a cage movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket.
  • the cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes.
  • the chain device further includes an actuator, which is configured to move the cage in accordance with a movement of a chain line extending between the front sprocket and a rear sprocket assembly.
  • the invention is a bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket, which is configured to be affixed to a bicycle that has a solitary bicycle front sprocket having a rotational center axis.
  • the front sprocket is rotatable together with a crank arm and is movable with respect to the crank arm in a direction parallel to the rotational center axis.
  • the chain device further includes a cage movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket.
  • the cage includes a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes.
  • the cage is configured to be moved in accordance with a position of the front sprocket in a direction extending along the rotational center axis.
  • the cage includes at least one contact member to contact the front sprocket, and wherein contact between the contact member and the front sprocket causes the cage to be moved in correspondence with the front sprocket.
  • the invention is a bicycle chain device that includes a mounting bracket, which is configured to be affixed to a bicycle that has a solitary bicycle front sprocket having a rotational center axis, and a cage movably mounted to the mounting bracket so that the cage is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket.
  • the cage has a chain-receiving slot, through which a bicycle chain passes.
  • the chain device further includes an actuator, which is configured to pivot the cage about a single pivot axis that is stationary with respect to the mounting bracket.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a bicycle that includes a chain device according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chain device of the first embodiment with parts cut away;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the chain device of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the chain device of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a rear view of the chain device of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a chain device of a second embodiment
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an actuator of the chain device of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic rear view of a chain device of a third embodiment
  • FIGS. 9-11 are diagrammatic top plan views showing various positions of the chain device of FIG. 8 ;
  • FIG. 12 a block diagram showing actuator of the chain devices of fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments
  • FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing in inner position of a chain device of a seventh embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing in outer position of a chain device of the chain device of FIG. 13 .
  • FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 10 that includes a seat 14 , handlebars 18 , a frame 22 , a seat tube 26 , a chainstay 30 , a front wheel 34 , a rear wheel 42 , a rear sprocket assembly 46 , a rear derailleur 50 , an operating device 54 , a mechanical operation cable 58 , which is controlled by the operating device 54 , a front sprocket 62 , a pedal 66 , a crank arm 68 , a chain 70 , and a chain device 78 .
  • the operating device is, for example, a known device for pulling and releasing the mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • the chain device 78 prevents the chain 70 from falling off the front sprocket 62 .
  • the mechanical operation cable 58 extends between the operating device 54 and the rear derailleur 50 , so that a rider can manipulate the operating device 54 to change the gear ratio, in a well-known manner.
  • the front sprocket 62 is the only front sprocket on the bicycle 10 ; that is, the front sprocket 62 is a solitary front sprocket. Other unnumbered parts of the bicycle 10 are well-known and will not be discussed or illustrated in detail.
  • the front sprocket 62 has a rotational center axis 90 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and a center plane 94 (see FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 8 ) passes through the center of the frame 22 and is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rear wheel 42 and the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the front sprocket 62 is a floating front sprocket. That is, the front sprocket 62 is free to move, within a limited range, in the axial direction of the rotational center axis 90 while the front sprocket 62 is being driven. When the front sprocket 62 is permitted to float, the front sprocket 62 tends to move towards a position aligned with the position of the rear derailleur 50 , which makes the path of the chain 70 more efficient.
  • a base member 102 is fixed to the seat tube 26 , and a mounting bracket 106 of the chain device 78 is attached to the base member 102 .
  • An elongated opening 110 is formed in the mounting bracket 106 , and a mounting bolt 114 passes through the elongated opening 110 to fix the chain device 78 to the base member 102 and the seat tube 26 .
  • the elongated opening 110 allows the position of the mounting bracket 106 with respect to the front sprocket 62 to be adjusted.
  • the bicycle chain device 78 includes the mounting bracket 106 , which is configured to be affixed to the bicycle 10 that has the solitary bicycle front sprocket 62 .
  • the chain device 78 further includes a cage 126 movably mounted to the mounting bracket 106 so that the cage 126 is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket 62 .
  • the cage 126 has a chain-receiving slot 130 , through which the bicycle chain 70 passes.
  • the chain device 78 further includes an actuator 134 , which is configured to move the cage 126 in accordance with a shifting operation of the bicycle rear derailleur 50 .
  • the cage 126 has a first plate 138 and a second plate 142 forming the chain-receiving slot 130 , and the cage 126 is positioned such that bottom edges 144 of the first and second plates 138 , 142 at least partly overlap with the front sprocket 62 as viewed in a direction parallel to the rotational center axis 90 (See FIG. 3 ) in a state in which the mounting bracket 106 is affixed to the bicycle 10 .
  • at least a bottom part of the cage 126 is located within an axial projection of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the cage 126 includes a pair of contact members 146 , 150 , which prevent misalignment between the cage 126 and the front sprocket 62 .
  • an inner contact member 146 projects toward the center of the chain slot from the inner surface of the first plate 138
  • an outer contact member 150 projects toward the center of the chain slot 130 from the inner surface of the second plate 142 .
  • the contact members 146 , 150 prevent misalignment between the cage 126 and the front sprocket 62 and thus prevent the chain 70 from rubbing against the inner surfaces of the cage 126 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the actuator 134 is a mechanical actuator. As shown in FIG. 2 , the actuator 134 is configured to be operatively coupled to the mechanical operation cable 58 that operates the bicycle rear derailleur 50 .
  • the actuator 134 includes a first actuating member 166 configured to be coupled to the mechanical operation cable 58 and a second actuating member 170 operatively connected to the first actuating member 166 and the cage 126 , so that movement of the mechanical operation cable 58 is transmitted to the second actuating member 170 via the first actuating member 166 to move the cage 126 .
  • the rack 174 is fixed to the mechanical operation cable 58 , and the mechanical operation cable 58 is received by a longitudinal passage in the rack 174 .
  • a set screw 182 is threaded into a corresponding threaded hole 186 in the rack 174 .
  • An access port 190 is formed in the housing 162 (See FIG. 4 ), through which the set screw 182 can be engaged with a suitable tool (not illustrated). When tightened, the set screw 182 fixes the rack 174 to the mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • the longitudinal position of the mechanical operation cable 58 with respect to the rack 174 is set before the set screw 182 is tightened and can be adjusted by loosening the set screw 182 with the tool.
  • a set screw cover 194 can be used to cover the access port 190 .
  • the pinion 178 engages the teeth of the rack 174 and is thus rotated in correspondence with longitudinal motion of the mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • Rotation of the pinion 178 rotates a pinion shaft 202 , which rotates a worm gear 206 .
  • the worm gear 206 is fixed on the pinion shaft 202 coaxially with the pinion 178 , as shown.
  • the actuator 134 includes a linkage 210 configured to be movably coupled to the cage 126 so that the cage 126 is movable with respect to the mounting bracket 106 .
  • the worm gear 206 engages and rotates a pivot gear 214 , which is fixed to the linkage 210 , when the pinion 178 is rotated by the mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • the pivot gear 214 rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the worm gear 206 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • Rotation of the pivot gear 214 pivots the linkage 210 about the axis of the pivot gear 214 , which causes a distal end of the linkage 210 to move toward or away from the mounting bracket 106 .
  • longitudinal movement of the mechanical operation cable 58 is converted, by the actuator 134 , to movement of the cage 126 toward and away from the mounting bracket 106 .
  • the cage 126 is configured to move in a direction extending along the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .
  • any of several known types of actuators can be suitably employed to transmit movement of the mechanical operation cable 58 to the cage, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG.
  • the first actuating member 166 includes the rack 174
  • the second actuating member 170 includes the pinion 178 , the worm gear 206 , the pivot gear 214 , and the linkage 210 .
  • the first actuating member includes one of a rack and pinion and the second actuating member includes the other of the rack and pinion.
  • the actuator 134 is preferably constructed such that, when the mechanical operation cable 58 is pulled toward the operating device 54 , the cage is moved toward the mounting bracket 106 .
  • the cage 126 is configured to be movable with respect to the mounting bracket 106 between a retracted position and an extended position that is further from the seat tube 26 than the retracted position in a state where the mounting bracket 106 is mounted to the seat tube 26 .
  • the cage 126 is moved toward the retracted position as the mechanical operation cable 58 is pulled toward the operating device 54 that controls the mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • the retracted position is shown in solid lines in FIG. 5
  • the extended position is shown in broken lines in FIG. 5 .
  • the cage 126 is pivotal about a pivot axis 222 that is perpendicular to the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 . That is, the cage 126 is pivotally attached to the distal end of the linkage 210 about a linkage pivot joint 226 , which defines the pivot axis 222 that is perpendicular to the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the linkage pivot joint 226 permits the cage 126 to pivot in response to changes in the location of the path of the chain 70 .
  • the cage 126 will be moved to the extended position by the actuator 134 , as shown in broken lines in FIG. 5 .
  • the operating device 54 pulls the mechanical operation cable 58 , and the rack 174 is moved toward the front of the bicycle 10 , or rightward in the view of FIG. 3 .
  • the rear derailleur 50 moves inward, toward the center plane 94 , to the retracted position, and the chain 70 follows.
  • the outer contact member 150 will contact the outer surface of the front sprocket 62 when the cage 126 moves toward the retracted position and will push the front sprocket 62 axially inward, toward the center plane, to maintain alignment between the cage 126 and the front sprocket 62 .
  • the chain device 78 can be provided with a return spring 230 that urges the chain device 78 toward the retracted position; however, even under the force of such a return spring 230 , the cage 126 will move only in accordance with the movement of the mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • a chain device 238 of a second illustrated embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
  • Reference numbers used to describe parts of one embodiment may be used again herein to refer to parts in a subsequent embodiment where the parts correspond and are the same or similar.
  • the chain device 238 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the front sprocket 62 is the same as the front sprocket of the first embodiment. That is, the front sprocket 62 is solitary and floating.
  • a chain device 238 includes a mounting bracket 242 and a cage 254 .
  • the cage 254 has a chain-receiving slot 258 .
  • the chain device 238 of FIGS. 6 and 7 has an actuator 250 that is electromechanical.
  • the actuator 250 includes an electrical motor 262 to move the cage 254 and a controller 270 to move the electrical motor 262 in accordance with an operation signal.
  • the actuator 250 performs the functions performed by the actuator 134 described above in connection with the first embodiment except that the actuator 250 of the second embodiment employs the electrical motor 262 and does not rely on a mechanical operation cable.
  • the chain device 238 of the second embodiment is adapted to be used with a motorized rear derailleur 266 .
  • the motorized rear derailleur 266 is controlled by a rear derailleur controller 274 .
  • Motorized rear derailleurs and controllers thereof are well-known; therefore, detailed descriptions of the motorized rear derailleur 266 and its controller 274 have been omitted.
  • the rider sends a shifting signal to the rear derailleur controller 274 with a rear derailleur operating device 278 , either via a wire or wirelessly.
  • the rear derailleur operating device 278 can be located on the handlebars 18 .
  • the shifting signal is also sent to the actuator 250 as an operation signal. That is, the operation signal is transmitted with a shifting signal to operate the bicycle rear derailleur 266 .
  • the actuator 250 of the second embodiment includes the controller 270 , which can include, for example, a CPU 282 and a memory 286 for storing programs and data.
  • the actuator 250 can further include a cage position sensor 290 a motor driver 294 , the electrical motor 262 , a power supply 298 , and a transmission 302 , which can include, for example, gears (not shown).
  • the power supply 298 can be, for example, a battery.
  • a parallelogram linkage 310 is driven by the transmission 302 to move the cage 254 between the retracted position and the extended position and to a number of incremental positions between the retracted position and the extended position depending on the number of rear sprockets provided on the rear sprocket assembly 46 .
  • the cage 254 can be moved between the retracted position and the extended position to a number of positions less than the number of rear sprockets, for example.
  • the controller 270 moves the electrical motor 262 such that the cage 254 moves in a shifting direction of the rear derailleur 266 operated by the shifting signal.
  • the shifting direction extends along the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the actuator 250 moves the cage 254 to correspond with the position of the rear derailleur 266 .
  • the controller 270 selects the appropriate position of the cage 254 so that the cage 254 is aligned with the chain 70 and the front sprocket 62 .
  • the cage 254 remains aligned with the chain 70 and the front sprocket 62 and prevents the chain 70 from falling off the front sprocket 62 .
  • the number of positions of the cage 254 is stored in the controller 270 according to the number of rear sprockets on the rear sprocket assembly 46 .
  • FIG. 6 shows the parallelogram linkage 310 oriented in a manner to swing in an arc that is perpendicular to the center plane 94
  • the parallelogram linkage 310 can be arranged to swing in other directions as long as the cage 254 moves in a shifting direction of the rear derailleur 266 and along the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket.
  • the operation signal is based on a shifting signal in this embodiment, the operation signal can be based on other information, for example, as described in further embodiments below.
  • FIGS. 8-11 illustrate a chain device 318 of a third embodiment. Except as described below, the third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment.
  • the chain device 318 of the third embodiment is adapted to be used with a non-floating front sprocket 322 . That is, unlike the first and second embodiments, the front sprocket 322 is fixed and non-movable in the axial direction with respect to the frame 22 .
  • the chain device 318 includes a mounting bracket 326 , a cage 334 , and an actuator 330 that is electromechanical.
  • the cage 334 includes a chain-receiving slot 338 .
  • the actuator 330 of the chain device 318 of FIG. 8 is electromechanical like that of FIG.
  • the actuator 330 of FIG. 8 has a pivot shaft 342 that is pivoted about a single pivot axis 346 by the actuator 330 .
  • the bicycle chain device 318 includes the mounting bracket 326 , which is configured to be affixed to a bicycle 10 that has a solitary bicycle front sprocket 322 having the rotational center axis 90 .
  • the cage 334 is movably mounted to the mounting bracket 326 so that the cage 334 is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket 322 .
  • the cage 334 has the chain-receiving slot 338 , through which the bicycle chain 70 passes.
  • the chain device 318 further includes the actuator 330 , which is configured to pivot the cage 334 about a single pivot axis 346 that is stationary with respect to the mounting bracket 326 .
  • FIG. 7 is illustrative not only of the embodiment of FIG. 6 but of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-11 .
  • the actuator 330 can be controlled by an operation signal that is transmitted with a shifting signal to operate the bicycle rear derailleur 266 .
  • the operation signal is based on a shifting signal; however, the operation signal can be based on other information, for example, as described in further embodiments below.
  • the actuator 330 is configured to pivot the cage 334 about the single pivot axis 346 so that a rear end 314 of the cage 334 moves in a shifting direction of the rear derailleur 266 , which is operated by the shifting operation, and the shifting direction extends along the rotational center axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a case in which the rear derailleur 266 is shifted to an outermost gear, or a top gear, and the rear end of the cage 334 is moved to an outer position by the actuator 330 .
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a case in which the rear derailleur 266 is shifted to a middle gear, or a sprocket that is centrally located on the rear sprocket assembly 46 , and the rear end of the cage 334 is moved to a central position by the actuator 330 .
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a case in which the rear derailleur 266 is shifted to an innermost gear, or a low gear, and the rear end of the cage 334 is moved to an inner position by the actuator 330 .
  • the number of positions of the rear end of the cage 334 depends on the number of sprockets provided on the rear sprocket assembly 46 and can be stored in the actuator 330 .
  • the number of positions of the rear end of the cage 334 can be less than the number of sprockets of the rear sprocket assembly 46 .
  • the cage 334 remains aligned with the chain 70 and prevents the chain 70 from falling off the sprocket 322 .
  • the chain device 318 of the third embodiment employs an actuator 330 that is electromechanical and is responsive to an operation signal
  • the mechanical actuator 134 of the first embodiment can be modified to pivot the cage 334 about the pivot axis 346 in response to the movement of a mechanical operation cable 58 .
  • the chain device 358 is like that of FIG. 6 or 8 and includes the actuator 250 , 330 that is electromechanical and can be essentially the same as either of those of the second and third embodiments.
  • the actuator 250 , 330 is configured to move a cage 254 , 334 in accordance with a position sensed by a rear derailleur shift position sensor 370 .
  • the rear derailleur shift position sensor 370 can be integral with or separate from a mechanically operated rear derailleur 50 or a motorized rear derailleur 266 .
  • the operation signal can be based on a position signal from the rear derailleur shift position sensor 370 .
  • the position signal can be transmitted via a wire or wirelessly.
  • the position of the cage 254 , 334 is based on the position of the rear derailleur 50 , 266 .
  • the chain device 374 is like that of either of FIG. 6 or 8 and includes an actuator 250 , 330 that is electromechanical and can be essentially the same as either of those of the second and third embodiments.
  • the chain device 374 includes the actuator 250 , 330 , which is configured to move the cage 254 , 334 in accordance with a movement of a chain line extending between the front sprocket 62 , 322 and a rear sprocket assembly 46 .
  • the chain device 374 of this embodiment is adapted to be used with a mechanically operated rear derailleur 50 or a motorized rear derailleur.
  • the chain device 374 can include a chain position sensor 382 that detects the position of the chain 70 .
  • the chain position sensor 382 can include, for example, a proximity sensor mounted on a chain stay 30 for detecting distance between the proximity sensor and the chain 70 .
  • the operation signal can be based on a position signal from the chain position sensor 382 .
  • the position signal can be transmitted via a wire or wirelessly.
  • the position of the cage 254 , 334 is adjusted in accordance with the position of the chain 70 .
  • a chain device 386 of the sixth embodiment is like that of FIG. 6 and includes an actuator 250 that is electromechanical.
  • the front sprocket 62 is solitary and floating, and the cage 254 is configured to be moved in accordance with a position of the front sprocket 62 in a direction extending along the rotational center axis 90 .
  • the chain device 386 can include, for example, a front sprocket position sensor 394 .
  • the front sprocket position sensor 394 can include, for example, a proximity sensor for detecting the axial position of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the operation signal can be based on a position signal from the front sprocket position sensor 394 .
  • the front sprocket position signal can be transmitted via a wire or wirelessly.
  • the position of the cage 254 is adjusted in accordance with the position of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the seventh embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 .
  • the seventh embodiment is adapted for use with a solitary floating front sprocket 62 and is like the first embodiment except as described below.
  • a bicycle chain device 402 includes a mounting bracket 406 configured to be affixed to a bicycle 10 that has a solitary bicycle front sprocket 62 having the rotational center axis 90 .
  • the front sprocket 62 is rotatable together with the crank arm 68 and is movable with respect to the crank arm 68 in a direction parallel to the rotational center axis 90 .
  • a cage 426 is movably mounted to a mounting bracket 406 so that the cage 426 is positioned adjacent to the front sprocket 62 .
  • the cage 426 includes a chain-receiving slot 430 , through which a bicycle chain 70 passes.
  • the cage 426 is configured to be moved in accordance with a position of the front sprocket 62 in a direction extending along the rotational center axis 90 .
  • the cage 426 includes at least one contact member 434 , 438 to contact the front sprocket 62 . Contact between the contact member 434 , 438 and the front sprocket 62 causes the cage 426 to be moved in correspondence with the front sprocket 62 .
  • the chain device 402 is adapted to be used with a mechanical rear derailleur 50 or a motorized rear derailleur.
  • the mechanical operation cable 58 is not coupled to the cage 426 .
  • the cage 426 is free to move, within a limited range, in a direction along the axial direction of the front sprocket 62 , and the cage 426 follows the movement of the front sprocket 62 due to the contact members 434 , 438 .
  • the front sprocket 62 moves in the axial direction, it will engage one of the contact members 434 , 438 and cause the cage 426 to maintain alignment with the front sprocket 62 and the chain 70 .
  • the cage 426 moves in accordance with the position of the front sprocket 62 .
  • a linkage 442 formed by pivotal links couples the cage 426 to the mounting bracket 406 , which maintains a parallel relationship between the cage 426 and the center plane 94 while permitting the cage 426 to move along the rotational axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .
  • the cage 426 and the front sprocket 62 are in an innermost position.
  • the cage 426 and the front sprocket 62 are in an outermost position.
  • the linkage 442 constrains the cage 426 to swing in a plane that is perpendicular to the center plane 94 , the linkage 442 can be arranged to swing in other directions, as long as the cage 426 can move along the rotational axis 90 of the front sprocket 62 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
US15/055,644 2016-02-29 2016-02-29 Bicycle chain device Active US9714067B1 (en)

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US15/055,644 US9714067B1 (en) 2016-02-29 2016-02-29 Bicycle chain device
TW108129321A TWI719592B (zh) 2016-02-29 2016-12-28 自行車鏈條裝置
TW105143484A TWI672248B (zh) 2016-02-29 2016-12-28 自行車鏈條裝置
DE102017103713.6A DE102017103713A1 (de) 2016-02-29 2017-02-23 Fahrradkettenvorrichtung
US15/619,548 US10589821B2 (en) 2016-02-29 2017-06-12 Bicycle chain device

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US10451165B2 (en) * 2015-12-15 2019-10-22 Sram Deutschland, Gmbh Chainring
US11046390B2 (en) * 2019-03-25 2021-06-29 Hazem Nihad Hamed Automatic bicycle shifter and electrical derailleur
US11110993B2 (en) * 2017-09-13 2021-09-07 Brandon Rodgers Damping device adapted for integration within a gearshifting system
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US11312449B2 (en) * 2018-05-15 2022-04-26 Sram Deutschland Gmbh Electromechanical derailleur

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US10150533B1 (en) * 2017-12-12 2018-12-11 Shimano Inc. Bicycle crank assembly
US11697474B2 (en) * 2020-06-30 2023-07-11 Shimano Inc. Bicycle derailleur and link pin for bicycle derailleur

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Cited By (10)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10451165B2 (en) * 2015-12-15 2019-10-22 Sram Deutschland, Gmbh Chainring
US20180127058A1 (en) * 2016-09-13 2018-05-10 Brandon Rodgers Wireless sprocket shifting control system
US10556639B2 (en) * 2016-09-13 2020-02-11 Brandon Rodgers Wireless sprocket shifting control system
US11110993B2 (en) * 2017-09-13 2021-09-07 Brandon Rodgers Damping device adapted for integration within a gearshifting system
US11312449B2 (en) * 2018-05-15 2022-04-26 Sram Deutschland Gmbh Electromechanical derailleur
US20220212753A1 (en) * 2018-05-15 2022-07-07 Sram Deutschland Gmbh Electromechanical derailleur
US11731733B2 (en) * 2018-05-15 2023-08-22 Sram Deutschland Gmbh Electromechanical derailleur
US20230348019A1 (en) * 2018-05-15 2023-11-02 Sram Deutschland Gmbh Electromechanical derailleur
US11046390B2 (en) * 2019-03-25 2021-06-29 Hazem Nihad Hamed Automatic bicycle shifter and electrical derailleur
US20220106015A1 (en) * 2020-10-07 2022-04-07 Eko Sport, Inc. Rotationally-Engaging Two-Piece Upper Chain Guide

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TW201730047A (zh) 2017-09-01
TWI672248B (zh) 2019-09-21
TW201946833A (zh) 2019-12-16
US10589821B2 (en) 2020-03-17
TWI719592B (zh) 2021-02-21
US20170274961A1 (en) 2017-09-28
DE102017103713A1 (de) 2017-08-31

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